Serpintine Belts

I see several different manufacturers and price ranges, what are your thoughts on the most durable and longest lasting belts on the market. My truck vin # is on the recall list for T-51 and would like to have a new belt for replacement. Thanks for your expert feedback. Scotty

 

I used to buy the GoodYear Gatorback and have great life with them.

 

Gates Green belt- Incredible.

 

WOW, I agree with this guy again..

 

With T51, they inspect the belt and replace if it appears to be worn?

Or maybe I'm wrong?

 

"This guy" HAAAA

 

Nothing wrong with the OEM belt......mine went to 229k miles, and looked good when I replaced it.

 

And mine stopped that CHURP when you shut it off

SORRY I DONT HAVE A 4TH GEN IF IT MAKES A DIFF

 

My thoughts are that it's a waste of money to carry a spare belt, for several reasons: First, belts on these truck typically last well over 150,000 miles. Storing a new belt for several years means you may be putting on a old belt (think tires). Belts are readily available at any auto parts place in the country, so pick up a fresh belt when you need one. Most of the time when you have a premature belt failure, you will be needing more that just a belt: water pump, tensioner, AC pump, alternator, etc.

 

Excellent reasoning, Land Shark.

 

My 2004 turned 252,000 miles last week. Still the original belt.

 

just a heads up for you dual alternator guys: The serp belt is very difficult to find at the usual auto parts stores AND dealers. I special ordered one from Carquest to have on board. Landshark has good points but, if I deem it necessary, I'll replace a new unused belt every few years!

 

I always keep my old one but I change them out about every year and a half. The belts wear ever so slightly. and cause slippage on the alternator you cannot hear . This will reduce your Alt out put slightly and can lead to shorter Alt life. Besides when out in the middle of nowhere and you lose a belt for whatever reason you just may need that spare . I also carry a belt diagram with me just in case I can't hook up to the internet with my phone . Also a spare water pump. Just lessons learned the hard way thru 35 yrs of truckin. Sometimes the only one to turn to is you

 

Definitely not a 4th Gen, but my '95 12V has had two belts on it in it's 500K mile life, the original and a Gates HD "Green" belt that I put on it "just because" when I swapped the engine into the '98 at 325K miles. Never had any charging issues, either, due to belt wear.

 

I use the Gates green, keep spare using wife's vacuum sealer to package in. Weston, Reno, NV